BEWARE a lean mean Mose Masoe. That's the verdict of Hull KR boss Tim Sheens ahead of York City Knights' trip to Craven Park for Sunday's pre-season friendly.

Samoa international Masoe, who helped St Helens win the Super League title in 2014, joined Rovers from St George Illawara Dragons in the summer and helped them win their place back in the top flight.

Sheens says the powerhouse prop is looking even better now after a good pre-season and he is set to unleash him on James Ford's men this weekend in a strong starting 13 that also includes the likes of new recruit Danny McGuire, Tommy Lee and Adam Quinlan.

Said Sheens: “Mose Masoe looks a different player to last year.

"He’s dropped eight kilos to take him to 19.5 stone, and you’re going to see him used a lot more in 2018. I’m really pleased with how he’s going and how he’s trained this off-season."

On Leeds legend McGuire, he added: “Danny McGuire has been the consummate professional since arriving. He’s barely missed a session – if he has, it’s because we’ve had to rest him occasionally but not out of his choice."

Sunday's match is for Ben Cockayne's testimonial. The 34-year-old swapped Rovers for partner club York this winter but still works for the Super League club in the commercial department.

Sheens said: “It’s Ben’s testimonial game first and foremost so we’re excited for that, but the match does present good value for the partnership that we have with York.

"Our boys really need a hit-out and our pre-season structure has been organised very well. We’ll build up nicely to the start of the season.

“Benny will be working with us a lot over the next year or so on the commercial front but we’ll be watching every game he’s involved in.

"He’s an experienced pro and he’ll be a real help to York’s side in terms of his knowledge for the younger blokes in particular. There’s a good group there from our side last year including Graeme Horne so we’re excited to see how they go in 2018 too."

He added on this weekend's hit-out: “You can only have so much pre-season before you want to start playing.

"The new guys that have come in are particularly excited but we’ve got a really strong starting group that are as keen as ever.

“We’ve got a number of academy boys that have been training with us throughout pre-season that will get an opportunity as well as a young French triallist, so it will be good to see them in action.

“There’ll be a mixture of youth and experience on the field throughout but we have the best part of two 17s to select from. I’ll be interchanging throughout and the young guys will be sprinkled onto the park, more so in the second-half."